Victor Moses pounces at the death to rescue Chelsea and claim 3-2 Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk

Showing the resilience that characterised their journey towards glory in the
Champions League last season, Chelsea never stopped believing, never stopped
fighting despite being outclassed for long periods by Shakhtar’s sublime
ball-players. Chelsea’s perseverance was rewarded when Victor Moses scored
deep into injury-time.

The winner was created by Juan Mata, swinging over a corner that the unmarked Moses headed unerringly home as Stamford Bridge rocked with relief and glee before the fans then launched into: “We know what we are, we’re champions of Europe’’.

Moments later, when Moses walked off the pitch at the final whistle, a beaming Roberto Di Matteo tapped the popular 21-year-old affectionately on the back of the head in appreciation. Moses’s header has transformed Chelsea’s Group E fortunes.

One moment the European champions were worrying about tumbling towards the Europa League, the next they were looking positively towards a potentially perilous trip to Turin on Nov 20. A draw against Juventus and a win over Nordsjaellend at home on Dec 5 guarantees Chelsea’s presence in the knockout stages.

Moses has needed plenty of fortitude in his climb to his current prominence. He arrived in England from Nigeria as an asylum-seeking orphan, building a new life under foster-parents. He worked hard at the fee-paying Whitgift School in south London, learning under the former Chelsea player Colin Pates. He honed his trade at Crystal Palace before moving up the ladder at Wigan Athletic and now Chelsea. Moses has taken each challenge in his stride. Those who know him well speak of a determined, polite individual eager to seize his chance.

Viewed through the selfish prism of England interests, Moses’s decision to commit to the country of his birth is an understandable frustration for the FA after good displays at England age-group levels. A prolific schoolboy footballer, Moses offers Di Matteo a range of options from the roles usually occupied by Mata, Eden Hazard and Oscar or, possibly, as the lone front-runner.

Chelsea keep being linked with big-name centre-forwards as potential replacements for Fernando Torres when Moses could be worth an audition. He seems more part of Chelsea’s future than Daniel Sturridge.

Moses settled an absolute firecracker of a match. Those claiming that the group stage is a collection of stale encounters or boring mismatches will not have had their argument advanced in this week of epic games. This was compelling fare, little wonder with seven Brazilians on show. Fernandinho, Shakhtar’s No 7, was majestic, gliding forward from his central station, creating havoc with his passing and moving. Willian, who struck twice, was a feline, predatory presence. Another Brazilian, Oscar, also excelled before tiring and being replaced by Moses.

The first half had exploded into life as both sides set fire to their defensive manuals. Andriy Pyatov, Shakhtar’s unconvincing goalkeeper, was soon exposed. His short goal-kick after six minutes placed his defence under pressure. A startled Yaroslav Rakitskiy played the ball back to his keeper, who panicked, kicking the ball hurriedly. Gambling on Pyatov doing something crazy, Torres charged down the clearance. The ball flew straight back in past the embarrassed Pyatov.

Torres has scored more emphatic strikes in his career but this goal will have lifted his spirits after recent criticisms. Just before kick-off, the Spaniard had received his Golden Boot trophy for Euro 2012 leading scorer from Kerry Dixon, and he seemed briefly inspired by the ceremony. But Shakhtar, such formidable opponents, hit back. When Ramires slipped, the Ukrainians raced through the gears.

Fernandinho cut into the Chelsea box as the Matthew Harding End looked on in horror at the defensive chaos. Fernandinho cut the ball back. Willian did the rest from 12 yards.

Still Shakhtar continued to roll forward. Henrik Mkhitaryan darted about. Fernandinho was denied by Cech. Mircea Lucescu’s fine team then pieced together an absolute gem of a move, the ball ushered up the field like a VIP being guided into a premiere by petal-strewing admirers. Olexandr Kucher found Alex Teixeira and the ball was then spirited to Fernandinho and Adriano. The mesmerising build-up demanded a finish of equal stature but unfortunately for Shakhtar, Teixeira fired wide.

This was thrilling fare, Chelsea regaining the lead in spectacular fashion five minutes from the break. Juan Mata and Hazard linked up down the left, Mata curling a ball behind the defence in an attempt to release Torres. Pyatov spotted the danger, rushing out to head clear. However admirable his anticipation, Pyatov should have directed his clearance to one side not down the middle.

Oscar, all technique and vision, controlled the ball and propelled it over Pyatov from 40 yards. Having earned “best original score” headlines for his wonderful second goal against Juventus here, Oscar’s plaudits were this time of the “best adaptation’’ variety.

Chelsea’s defence continued to give cause for concern. John Terry was on the bench, apparently not match fit, and his leadership and organisational skills were missed in the centre. Ryan Bertrand was struggling at left-back, with Hazard giving him little protection, and the injured Ashley Cole was particularly missed. Two minutes into the second period, Chelsea were opened up down their left. Fernandinho swept the ball right, Darijo Srna crossed and there was Willian pouncing again. Shakhtar were rampant. Razvan Rat, picking up a loose ball, unleashed and hit a post.

Controversy then gatecrashed the party. When Hazard teased a ball through to Ramires, the Brazilian surged into the box and appeared to be knocked over by Srna. Carlos Velasco Carballo waved play on much to Chelsea’s dismay. “We’ve been here before,’’ chanted the home fans, remembering past unsympathetic officiating. Yet the Spanish referee handled a high-speed game well.

Moses then arrived, making that telling contribution. The memory will endure of Willian’s dribbling and finishing and Fernandinho’s playmaking and Chelsea’s utter refusal to give up.